Bond movie prompts call for film review reform

BEIJING, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- An edited version of the new James Bond film "Skyfall" hit Chinese theaters on Monday, prompting film industry insiders to call for reforms for the country's movie review system.

Shi Chuan, a professor from Shanghai University's school of film & TV arts and technology, proposed the enaction of relevant laws and the establishment of norms for movie censors to follow.

Changes to the latest Bond movie include the removal of a bloody scene in which a Chinese security guard is shot by a French hitman, as well as changes to some of Bond's lines that inquire about a woman being forced into prostitution.

"Movie regulators should respect the producers' original ideas, rather than chopping scenes arbitrarily," Shi said.

However, he said that he believes the censorship system is necessary for China's film industry.

The content of imported movies must conform with local laws, as well as respect local culture and tradition, he said.

On the Chinese mainland, all imported movies are subject to reviews conducted by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT).

Most of the time, movie censors cut violent or steamy scenes before movies hit theaters.

However, Chinese moviegoers sometimes complain about the abrupt alterations made to foreign movies. Such cases include Ang Lee's 2007 movie "Lust, Caution," which was reportedly culled by 30 minutes in order to meet Chinese censors' requirements.

Some movie experts have also complained about Chinese restrictions regarding sensitive topics.

During an annual session of China's political advisory body held in March last year, Yin Li, vice chairman of the China Film Association, said Chinese film-making faces too many restrictions regarding sensitive topics such as public security, diplomacy, ethnic minorities and religion.

"I hope China can offer more freedom to film-makers so that a more favorable environment can be created for the country's movie industry," Yin said.